Former Cooperstown standout Bertram decides on next destination to continue collegiate basketball career

The Hawkeyes all-time leading scorer will transfer to Binghamton University to play for the Bearcats.

Posted: Apr 2, 2020 1:11 AM

Posted By: Spencer Davidson

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. - After announcing his decision to transfer from University of North Carolina-Charlotte on March 18, former Cooperstown High School basketball star, Tyler Bertram, has found his new destination.

Bertram announced via Twitter, Wednesday, that he has committed to continue his education and NCAA Division I career at Binghamton University.

"I'm excited," said Bertram via a FaceTime interview Wednesday. "It's very stressful when you go through the process, so I think once we get to go through it, you get this relief. It's definitely relieving, but it's more excitement."

After redshirting his freshman year for the 49ers in Charlotte, he appeared in 12 games this past season, averaging 9.3 minutes.

Bertram said while appreciative of the opportunity he was given at UNC Charlotte, the fit didn't end up being right.

The style of play for the 49ers didn't match his strengths, he became known as a sharpshooter with long range beginning in high school at Cooperstown, setting Hawkeyes career records in points (1,867), and three-point field goals (264). He also holds the school's assists record with 417 in his career.

At Binghamton, the 6'3" guard sees a more suitable match.

"They shoot almost 30 threes per game," Bertram said. "I watched some of their games this year online kind of just to get a feel for what it's like, and they were just up-and-down and fast-paced, and I think that's perfect for me."

In talking with Bearcats head coach, Tommy Dempsey, leading up to his decision, Bertram also stated he sees the potential for a more prominent role at Binghamton.

"They have a young team so [we discussed] possibly being a leader on the team," he said. "Possibly come in and play a lot of minutes and have the chance to have the ball in my hands a lot, which would be awesome."

Off the court, Binghamton was an attractive landing spot for Bertram as well. Being just a 1.5 hour drive from his hometown, as opposed to, a 1.5 hour drive to Albany and a subsequent two-hour plus non-stop flight to Charlotte, it'll allow for more time with family and friends.

"It's going to be great," he said. "Just having [my family] be able to come to every single home game that we have, even the all league [road] games won't be too far of a drive, so that'll be nice."

During his three years in Cooperstown, playing under his father David, Bertram lead the Hawkeyes to back-to-back Section III Class C titles, and was named New York State Class C Co-Player of the Year his junior season.

He played his senior season at prep school for Vermont Academy.

Bertram is currently recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder on March 3, and expects to be ready for next season.